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BMW, Tesla Discuss Building Universal Charging Stations

It appears as though BMW and Tesla may team up in an effort to push electrified cars, as the two automakers reportedly met up to discuss the possibility of developing a universal electric charger in an effort to accelerate the move toward electric vehicles.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed to Reuters that the two companies did meet to talk about the future of electric cars and how to make better use of the Palo Alto-based company's network of charging stations. Earlier this year, Tesla announced that the route from Los Angeles to New York was covered with fast chargers to allow coast-to-coast road trips in the Model S and future Tesla models equipped with the fast-charging option.In addition, Tesla's charging system can also be fitted with an adapter that allows it to be charged on the SAE charger. Although the charger design is proprietary, the automaker is open to sharing that technology in hopes of speeding up the development of all types of electric vehicles. Tesla recently opened up its patents to everyone to further that same goal.

If industry is going to have any chance of electric vehicles gaining real ground then there will have to be a universal standard. Can you imagine if you pulled up to a gas station and the nozzle didn't fit in your tank?

My neighbor bought a Nissan Leaf he said because he wanted a car the taxpayers paid for. Well, that's how he sees it. He got a $7500 "gift" in the form of a rebate and doesn't pay for his energy since there are free charging stations provided by the electric company and some auto dealers. Some people build solar-paneled recharging stations in their homes here since we have so much sun and that is free too. I suspect that someday the giveaway will end and he'll have to pay for his own transport costs.

BTW - Wonder if they are planning an all electric super car in the near future. Can you imagine an 11 sec in the quarter mile, 1 g on the corners and 300 to 400+ miles on one charge that would show everyone that all electric cars are here to really stay. If anyone can do it it's Telsa.